Poole: A little New York expected to come to West Texas with Russo's

Russo's eyeing 19th Street and Milwaukee Avenue

In 1978, the Russo family moved across the country and brought an East Coast favorite with it — New York-style pizza.

That same favorite will soon be in Lubbock.

Anthony Russo, a first-generation Italian, spent his childhood in the kitchen learning to prepare fine Italian meals, according to information provided by the company.

His dad’s favorite phrase was: “If you can’t make it fresh, don’t serve it,” according to the company.

In the early ’90s, Russo opened up his first Italian restaurant in Clear Lake called “Anthony’s Pizzeria.”

He knew that great New York-style pizza could be made anywhere by using quality ingredients, his family recipes and a whole lot of passion, the company information said.

Later on he found a way to blend the simplicity of the pizzeria with the fine dining found at Italian restaurants, creating Russo’s.

Today, Russo’s has more than 25 locations, with plans to expand to the Hub City.

The pizza place is still looking for a franchisee to bring the concept to West Texas, according to spokeswoman Amy Lecza.

The city has been pinpointed for expansion because of its strong mix of attractive residential and growing business communities, she said in an email.

Site selection for the first shop is in progress, but the franchise development team has been eyeing the west end of 19th Street near Milwaukee Avenue for the new location.

In addition to creating more than 40 job opportunities, the new restaurant will provide fundraising opportunities for schools and a place for friends and family to gather for a taste of authentic, New York-style pizza, pasta and desserts, Lecza said.

STEVIE POOLE IS THE BUSINESS REPORTER FOR THE A-J. CONTACT HER AT RS.DOUGLAS@LUBBOCKONLINE.COM